Accepting a False Fate • Finnick Odair

The Start

10 July 70PD

Mags escorts Luna from the transport car to the hovercraft ready for the start of The Hunger Games. The young tribute is visibly shaking, her nerves and unpreparedness getting the better of her. For the moment, Luna is in leggings and a tank top; she will be changed into her designated arena outfit when she is with Xaelia.

"Mags, I need you to do me a favour." Luna begins, her voice timid and unstable, "You and I both know I do not have a shot at winning, and that I will probably die fairly quickly. Please can you make sure that my parents know I love them, so much, and that Finnick knows I was grateful to be his friend for so long."

"I am not saying I agree that you will die quickly, because I actually think you have a fair shot, but I promise in the unfortunate event that you don't win, I promise you I will pass those messages on." The older woman pulls the girl into a tight, caring embrace, and kisses her temple. "You have been such a pleasure to get to know. Good luck."

"And may the odds be ever in my favour." Luna jokes in a mocking tone, hoping to alleviate some of the negative energy between the pair. She embraces Mags one final time and walks up the ramp and onto the hovercraft. She is the last to arrive for the hovercraft she is on, and so, she takes the last remaining seat and straps herself in. As soon as the craft is in the air, the staff walk to each tribute individually. When the lady gets to Luna, she looks down at the red head and speaks.

"Arm, please."

Luna complies and holds out her left forearm. The woman holds it with a firm grip and injects something into the girl's arm. Presumably a tracker. She thinks, rubbing her arm over the injection site to try and take her mind off of the dull ache it has left her with. Luna makes a point of not looking at any of her fellow Tributes, not wanting to show her nerves to them.

As they arrive at the arena entrance, Luna is escorted off of the hovercraft and into one of the prep rooms below the arena. The door swings open and Xaelia is waiting for the girl, ready to prepare her for the fight of her life. Xaelia takes the girl into the room, closing the door behind her, and takes a clothing bag off of the side. She hangs it up using one of the hooks on the wall then unzips the bag. Inside is a pair of black cargo pants, a black short sleeved T-shirt, and a dark green fleece.

"They have also given me a pair of black hiking boots and thick socks for you. Based on the outfit I'm guessing a slightly colder atmosphere with either mountains or a forest due to the boots and the thickness of the clothes. Fortunately, the fabric isn't one that will rustle when you move, so it won't give away your position." Xaelia is removing the outfit from the hanger whilst speaking.

Luna strips to her underwear, then quickly puts on her arena outfit. She bends down to lace up her boots, and Xaelia crouches to her level and holds her face gently.

"Luna, I believe in you, we all do. I know you are terrified but you can do this."

"30 seconds."

Luna's face drops as the announcement echoes throughout the room. She stands and takes one final breath, then walks to the elevator tube ready for the countdown. The plastic door slides shut, and the last thing Luna sees is Xaelia blowing a kiss to  her. As she rises, everything goes dark for a moment, then blindingly bright as she enters the arena. Blinking to adjust her eyes, Luna takes a look around the area to take in her surroundings. She notices a dam in the distance, but knows everyone will head straight there as it is the only obvious source of water.

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